by Judy | Jan 6, 2010 | Personal, Uncategorized
The magic of photography is in an image’s ability to virtually transport the viewer to the time and place when it was first captured, and the exceptional photos are those that also allow the viewer to glimpse into the soul of the subject. I started on my photography journey at a young age—with my sister’s Polaroid, and every time I snapped the shutter I was trying to capture the essence of the subject of my image so it would become a keepsake of that moment frozen in time. I wanted to be able to look at my favorite photos later and remember as vividly as possible the captured scene.
As a professional photographer, I know that a photograph that takes the viewer back in time will evoke the emotions of the day it was captured, and allow for hopefully a pleasant stroll down memory lane. But as I recently was reviewing my own archive of images, I was taken by surprise at just how much of an impact such photos can have. And it reinforced for me just how important it is to preserve in photographs not only the milestones in life, but the little things that make up the fabric of that life too.
I’d like to share some snapshots of scenes that make up the fabric of our life here at the Viv Pix home. Our favorite images are of our dear pets. Some have gone to wait for us at the Rainbow Bridge, and others are now senior citizens who don’t have the strength to frolic like they used to. But these shots certainly make me smile as they take me back to a time when they did.
Little Spook up a tree–she loved to climb anything–trees, ladders–often ending up on the roof calling for rescue.
And Hogan, still a swimmer, will go anywhere to retrieve a stick, especially if he has to swim for it. In his prime, he would leave quite a wake!
And as badly a Boris wanted to steal the stick from Hogan, the last thing he wanted to do was actually swim! Wading was ok, but absolutely no swimming! That’s why we gave him the nickname “Coast Guard.”
I’d like to emphasize that although these are not the best for captures for many technical reasons, they are among my favorites. Yes there is a time to call upon the pros to capture images of life’s milestones, no matter how humble, and you will be very glad you hired a photographer for those moments. But don’t allow yourself to miss these little moments so fleeting, but as time goes by, so precious too.
by Judy | Dec 24, 2009 | Fine Art & Stock, Uncategorized
Just when we seem to need it most, the Christmas spirit manages to find its way into our hearts to remind us that this season, no matter what your religious affiliation, is a time to share our blessings. In fact, I have found that the most enjoyable holidays have been those that I have spent in the company of friends and family, perhaps sharing a meal or raucous game of Trivial Pursuit. The gifts, while nice, seemed to take a back seat to the memories that I shared with the people (and pets) I love.
This year, the best gift I have received is the blanket of snow that Mother Nature tossed on eastern Long Island. We don’t often have a white Christmas, so I have not had many opportunities to capture the beautiful Christmas lights and decorated homes with a snowy landscape as the backdrop. There is just something magical about a Christmas tree in a village green that has a fresh covering of fluffy snow. I long for the chance to capture snow-covered holiday images, and this season I had that chance in spades.
I’ve posted a few of my favorites below. I hope they help bring the Christmas spirit to you. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Tree at Cutchogue Village Green
Manger and Menorah –Cutchogue Village Green
Decorated Home-Southold
The cutest front porch guard
by Judy | Dec 10, 2009 | Weddings
Well, I like to think that the title phrase is true. Certainly, as a photographer in general and wedding and pet photography specialist, I know that my best captures are those that make a connection to the subject. And the best way to consistently make that connection is through building trust and rapport with the subject. And what is a relationship built on trust and rapport? It’s a friendship. And I do truly feel that each of my clients is a friend by the time we have completed the process of planning the session or wedding and delivered the final images.
Just today Kevin Focht posted in the Digital Wedding Forum about this topic, DWF Blog, from the photographer’s point of view. I couldn’t agree with him more. One of the first things I discuss with my prospective clients is the need to feel comfortable with their photographer, no matter who they choose. On a wedding day, the photographer is usually the vendor who will spend the most time with the bridal couple and their families, especially the bride. You don’t need to be best friends, but you have to at least enjoy each other’s company in order to capture photos that will present you naturally.
I approach each event or session with a sense of humor combined with a respect for the reverence of the day. It’s important to respect traditions, but it’s also essential to capture the personality of the subjects. So, I like to spend some time with my clients, usually at a pre-wedding engagement portrait session, which we include in most signature packages, and get to know them in a pressure-free relaxed setting prior to the big day. This is their chance to get to know me, too. So when the big day arrives, we aren’t trying to figure each other out, but focusing on getting the best images.
So if you are looking for wedding photography services soon, why not give me a call? I’m always ready to make new friends!
by Judy | Nov 28, 2009 | Uncategorized
After the tree is trimmed and the house is decorated for the holidays, the family shutterbug is certain to be found snapping away to preserve the memories of this particular season. But so often the glow of the Christmas lights are lost in the bright light of the flash used to light the subjects.
What’s the answer? Well first let’s talk about why the lights on the tree are lost in the photo. Quite simply, the on camera flash is responding to the need for light to properly expose the shot. Properly expose according to the settings in the camera, that is. The camera is set to give the scene lots of light. It doesn’t know that you actually WANT to have a moody, soft glow to capture the pretty lights on the tree. So we have to trick it.
Depending on the features your camera has, you can simply turn the flash off and expose for the lights on the tree, or you can use the night portrait feature. But bear in mind that this low light setting may also require a slow shutter speed, so be prepared to put the camera on a tripod or steady surface and activate the shutter remotely or with the self-timer setting.
So, this year, your holiday photos will actually show off the beautiful lighting you worked so hard to display.
Happy Holidays!
by Judy | Nov 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
Digital cameras make a great gift for Christmas, especially with all of the features that are included in rather affordable packages now. But before you lay down your hard-earned cash make sure you are not bedazzled by whistles and bells (and buttons and modes) that turn out to be more superfluous than suitable.
Regardless of what cool features your chosen model has, they will mean nothing if they don’t produce good images.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you shop for the camera that will be the best value.
- When it comes to megapixels, more is not necessarily better. In the early days of digital photography, improved resolution was essential to producing images that would print well at larger formats such as 11×14 or 16×20. But that additional resolution, measured in megapixels, also can impair the quality of low-light images by producing digital noise—those ugly red, green and blue speckles that you usually will find in the darker areas of the image. Plus, the higher megapixel count fills the memory card faster. Models in the 5 to 8 megapixel range will provide more than enough resolution to produce good quality enlargements, so go for the lower count, even if you can’t find anything as low as 8 MP.
- Optical zoom is the only zoom that matters. Forget the digital zoom. You know the big sticker on the box that reads 3x optical zoom, 10X DIGITAL ZOOM? Well that digital zoom is really just the camera’s best guest at what a close-up should be, based on the information it receives from the 3x OPTICAL zoom. You may get lucky once in a while, but most of the time, the digital zoom range will produce pixelated, soft images that won’t be worth the paper it’s printed on when you enlarge it.
- Choose a model with an Optical Viewfinder. In the race to produce thinner, smaller cameras with larger LCD screens, one of the unfortunate casualties is the optical viewfinder. That large LCD screen is great for reviewing your captured shots, but when you must rely on it to compose a shot in bright sunlight, you’ll be guessing at best. Do you want to leave that once in a lifetime shot to a best guess in an LCD viewfinder you can’t see? Optical viewfinders are increasingly more difficult to find, especially on the smaller, less expensive models. If you find a model with one, seriously consider buying it, no matter when the other features, becausewhen all is said and done, it is about getting the shot.
- Look for manual override options. It is quite possible that you may never want or need to switch away from the automatic mode, but at the very least you want to be able to disable the flash for those situations when flash is not permitted. Also, if you find this camera ignites the shutterbug in you, then the ability to take control of the settings will allow you to express your creative side as you learn and grow as a photographer.
- Buy a spare battery and memory card. When you finally find the right camera, you don’t want to be stopped dead in your tracks by a dead battery or a full memory card just as the good stuff starts happening. So, spring for an extra battery, rechargeable of course, and a memory card, and keep them ready to use.
It’s easy to be confused and overwhelmed when you start your search for a digital camera, so try to keep in mind that ultimate goal for your camera is to capture images that will preserve your memories. Don’t let the gimmicks trick you into choosing a model that will leave you wanting more in the end.
Happy shopping!!
